fshenkin94
Member
I just picked up a used lathe that was missing the spur center. I have seen several kinds in the catalogs including the Stebcenter, 2 prong center and 4 prong center. What kind would you recommend and why?
spur centers
- Thread starter fshenkin94
- Start date
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TribalRR
Member
I personally like the stebcenters because I find they are easier to use and the spurs tend to split the segmented blanks.
Wildman
Member
I like a two prong center because work well if ends of turning blank (spindle, bowl) not perfectly square. JMHO, they hold little better.
I personally prefer the Steb center or the Oneway Safe drive. Another option that I plan to try someday is make my own drive center using some wood an a nail.
I have roughed the outer profile of a bowl between centers and in that case I preferred a 2 prong.
I have roughed the outer profile of a bowl between centers and in that case I preferred a 2 prong.
marcruby
Member
I recently picked up a steb center (the little on) because it was on sale. I have to admit that I really like how it works.
Marc
Marc
Fred
Member
I always grab my Sorby MT2 steb centers. Check them out for their many features. Expensive yes, but definitely worth the effortless mounting of many different wood blank sizes. And I doubt that one would ever need to replace one of these excellent centers. I have turned several 10 - 14 inch bowl blanks (carefully of course) with these centers and have had absolutely no problems of any type. :good:
http://www.woodcraft.com/EnhancedImage.aspx?Productid=145855&Size=Large
http://www.woodcraft.com/EnhancedImage.aspx?Productid=145521&Size=Large
There is a smaller center that fits the jaws of a chuck, but it is no longer listed in the Woodcraft product list. Check the Sorby website for further information on this center. The fixed center above will also fit into the MT of the headstock without removing the chuck. It just is a bit close for the fingers if one is not careful and paying attention.
Be sure to note that these cannot split the blanks and they also offer a bit of safety whenever there is grab by the cutting tool. You really have to experience these types of centers to fully realize their advantages. :biggrin:
http://www.woodcraft.com/EnhancedImage.aspx?Productid=145855&Size=Large
http://www.woodcraft.com/EnhancedImage.aspx?Productid=145521&Size=Large
There is a smaller center that fits the jaws of a chuck, but it is no longer listed in the Woodcraft product list. Check the Sorby website for further information on this center. The fixed center above will also fit into the MT of the headstock without removing the chuck. It just is a bit close for the fingers if one is not careful and paying attention.
Be sure to note that these cannot split the blanks and they also offer a bit of safety whenever there is grab by the cutting tool. You really have to experience these types of centers to fully realize their advantages. :biggrin: